Well, I have to say you've done it this time. I've never seen your mother and sister so excited. The news is a wonderful early Christmas present, but can you really afford to fly us all to Canada in January?

I couldn't work out from the invitation you sent us whose wedding it is that we're going to. I think it's great that the two of you are going all that way to be there on their special day, and inviting your family along as well is just unbelievable. Whoever it is must be a really good friend, but surely you could've put their name on the invitation instead of just yours and Steve's? I suppose it's not someone I know, but we'll need to know their name for when we write on the card.

I have to admit that my first reaction was to turn down the invitation as I sincerely doubt my back would allow me to get to Melbourne, let alone on a flight all the way to Canada. But as soon as I started mentioning it to your mother, she fixed me with that eye of hers and told me she'd get me an appointment with the doc to make sure I could go. She told me in no uncertain terms that there was no way I wasn't going. I think she's just so excited about travelling overseas that she isn't letting anything get in her way. She's never been further than New Zealand, and that was more than twenty years ago, before I did my back.

Anyway, the next day she bundled me off to see Doc. Kennedy. I told him that I didn't think I was up to the trip, but he told me he'd work out a way, even if I had to be do it in a drugged stupor. Your mother must have been in one of her dotty moods when she made the appointment, because the doc then made a comment about not letting me miss my only son's wedding! I had to correct him and say it wasn't your wedding. After all, you don't even have a girlfriend yet. He just smiled at me and told me not to worry, he'll make sure I get there.

I must say it'll be good to see you and Steve again for Christmas. It's been a long time. I'm sorry you won't be staying here, but that's your mother's fault. I wanted to get your old room cleaned out and your bed set up, but she told me you'll be staying with Steve at his parent's house. She made a comment about your bed not being big enough, but I can't believe you've grown that much since you were last here.

I should warn you, though, that she's going to try to grab a lot of your time while you're here. She made a comment about a lot of planning to be done and not much time to do it in. Why she needs you to help her plan the trip, I don't understand. When I told her that I'm sure you'll have other things to do, she just stared at me like I was stupid or something. I'll do what I can to keep her off your back. I've heard the guys at the footy club are planning some sort of party for you and Steve, so don't let your mother take up too much of your time. If you need me to distract her that night, just let me know. I thought I could take her out to the bowling club for dinner so you boys can go out. Russo from the footy club told me he's being looking forward to giving you two this party for a long time. I was surprised when he said that, but then I realised it has been quite a few years since you two were both in town at the same time.

When you get here, you're going to have to clarify something for me. I'm sure, when we spoke on the phone after we got the invitation, that you said that Steve was going to be the best man at the wedding. However, last night your mother invited Steve's parents over for dinner and they said Steve said you were going to be the best man. It's not a big deal, but I think you need to tell me who exactly is going to be the best man. I know Steve's parents are going too, and I would hate for their trip to be ruined because they'd misunderstood who was going to be in the wedding party.

The other thing I'm concerned about is all the presents that have started to arrive from the folk in town. I don't know how they learnt about it, or why they're sending presents for a couple they can't know, but we already have a small table with several gifts addressed to yourself and Steve. I'm sure they've addressed them that way so you can take them with you to your friend's wedding, but I'm afraid there is going to be too many to take to Canada. I've rung up a couple of transport companies and if we send them by sea, they'll get there too late. Your mother's said you'll look after it and it'll be okay, but I don't think that's fair. You're already picking up the costs of flying us all overseas. Paying for shipping other people's presents as well is just not right.

Oh, well. It's not long until we'll see you and you can sort all of this out. I still think you're being overly generous, but when I see your mother and sister and how excited they are about going overseas I can't help feeling proud of you. Your generosity has made them two of the happiest people in the world.

Your mother's gone dotty again. She's just told me to tell you to give Steve a big kiss from her. Thank him for me, but save the kiss for the girl getting married.

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Disclaimer: All individuals depicted are fictional, and any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.